Arctic Circle Trail Hike
A 160-km trek across open tundra from the ice cap to the sea — musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and infinite horizons under the midnight sun. Greenland’s classic long-distance hike through one of the planet’s emptiest landscapes.
Weather
Spring averages −10 to 0°C, summer 5–15°C, autumn −5 to 5°C, and winter −25 to −10°C on the Arctic Circle Trail. This summer trek crosses open tundra under the midnight sun. Mosquitoes peak in July. Weather is highly variable; pack for all conditions.
Activities
Trek 160 km west from Kangerlussuaq near the ice cap to Sisimiut on the coast. Camp at basic huts or wild on the tundra. Watch for musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and infinite horizons.
Culture
The Arctic Circle Trail is Greenland's classic long-distance hike, walked by a few hundred people each summer. Kangerlussuaq was a US air base; Sisimiut is Greenland's second-largest town. Trail etiquette is self-sufficient and respectful.
Natural history
The trail crosses open tundra from the ice cap edge to the coast — musk oxen, caribou, and Arctic foxes inhabit the route. Glacial rivers must be forded; no bridges exist. The landscape is among the emptiest on the planet.
Local food
Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut restaurants serve Greenlandic specialities before and after the trek. All trail food must be carried — there are no resupply points. Dried fish, energy bars, and freeze-dried meals fuel the crossing.
Fun fact
The Arctic Circle Trail crosses one of the planet's emptiest landscapes — you may walk for days without seeing another person, just musk oxen and Arctic foxes.
- Fly into: Kangerlussuaq (SFJ)
- Day 1: Trail briefing, first camp
- Day 2–6: Trek west across tundra (huts/camp)
- Day 7: Arrive Sisimiut, depart
- Est. total: ~$3,800